Aquinnah - The first residents of Aquinnah were the Aquinnah indians who, still today, are year-round residents who enjoy the scenic and colorful mile-long Aquinnah Cliffs. They stand today as a national landmark enjoyed by many. While no climbing is allowed, the area is a great place to enjoy the scenery and catch a glimpse of one of the first revolving lighthouses in the country, Gay Head Lighthouse, which was erected on top of the cliffs in 1799.

Chilmark - Chilmark is a tiny town surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and scenic coastline. It is close to the tiny fishing village Menemsha, the home of the coast guard station. The area was originally noted for the fishermen farmers of the town, but has since become famous for its fabulous beaches and the fishing village of Menemsha. If the timing is right, you can buy seafood including lobster directly from the fisherman.

Edgartown - Edgartown, a seaport village and yachting center, was one of the first colonial settlements on Martha's Vineyard. The original Greek Revival architecture of the town has been preserved and can be enjoyed by strolling along Main Street where you can enjoy the picturebook setting of the harbor and waterfront. You can experience the beautiful Greek Revival architecture best by taking a leisurely walk through downtown Edgartown. On the walk you'll see the Whaling Church built in 1843 and the oldest house on the island, the Vincent House Museum built in 1672. Be sure not to miss Water Street where you can see the some fine old captains houses. Also visit South Water Street, the home of an immense Pagoda tree that was transported from China in the early 19th century.

Oak Bluffs - Circuit Avenue is Oak Bluffs main Street and is a great place to enjoy the shops, restaurants and stores of this delightful town. It was once a hub for Methodist camp meetings during the 1800s where communal tents were erected for all day gospel sessions. Today you'll see elaborate painted gingerbread cottages and a magnificent wrought-iron Tabernacle building. You may also wish to visit Ocean Park where you can see one of Martha's Vineyards most most famous bandstands.

Vineyard Haven - Vineyard Haven is Martha's Vineyards main port and part of the Town of Tisbury. Here you can watch the ferries shuttle in and out of the harbor or enjoy the many scenic places including the Tashmoo Lake overlook on State Road. The Tisbury Water Works and the West Chop Lighthouse are also worth a visit. If you are looking for action, go to Main Street where you will find plenty of shops and restaurants.

West Tisbury - West Tisbury is a quaint New England village resembling the simplicity of days gone by. The town is blessed with a white church, general store, post office, old grist mill and several farms and ponds.

Art - Most people come to Martha's Vineyard to relax and enjoy the abundance of island activities that include fishing swimming, snorkeling, playing tennis, hiking or biking. There are also many cultural activities held through-out the year including theater, music and art shows. Many of the Vineyard artisans open their studios where you can observe a variety of art being created including pottery, glass and jewelry.

Beaches - Martha's Vineyard has some of the most beautiful unspoiled scenic beaches you will ever see. Some of the beaches are open to the public while others are reserved for residents and summer visitors who are staying in the local towns. You may obtain permits to use some of the town beaches.

Biking the Vineyard - With over 100 square miles of Island to explore, biking the entire Island is a possibility, though it can be quite a challenge. Some the terrain can be hilly and the roadways curvy. There are many trails to explore and one particularly nice one for families is the Vineyard Haven to Oak Bluffs route. This route is mostly flat which makes for a nice leisurely ride. More advanced riders may wish to bike to Aquinnah where you can experience the hills and curves of the Island.

Fishing on Martha's Vineyard - Fishing on some of the Vineyard's most beautiful beaches and water anywhere is a real attraction for avid fisherman. Expect to catch Bluefish, striped bass, false albacore and Spanish Mackerel during the season. From the boats you might catch white marlin, yellowfin tuna and shark.

Walking the Vineyard - Walking on Martha's Vineyard is very popular and can be accomplished by visiting many of the reservations, sanctuaries and Open Land Foundations. For a unique walking experience, you may wish to contact The Martha's Vineyard Land Bank (508) 627-7141.

The only way to get to Martha's Vineyard is by sea or by air. There are no land routes connecting it to the mainland. You can catch ferries from Falmouth, Hyannis, Montauk, Nantucket, New Bedford, Quenset Point, Rhode Island and Woods Hole. If you are planning on taking your car, the Woods Hole Ferry is the only ferry that transports vehicles. Reservations are recommended at (508) 477-8600. Planes operate year round.